Editorial by The Fauquier Times, March 14
As expected, Fauquier County’s representatives in Richmond are split along party lines when it comes to Medicaid expansion – with Republicans worrying about paying for it down the road while Democrats see an answer to a years-long battle.
Virginia is one of only 19 states that have so far refused to expand the federal-state health insurance program for the poor according to the eligibility rules instituted by the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
The House of Delegates’ budget – approved with the support of 19 Republican delegates – includes Medicaid expansion for the first time. But the state Senate, controlled by a 21 to 19 GOP majority, has so far refused to bend.
Del. Elizabeth Guzman, the newly elected Democrat for the 31st District – says she believes healthcare is a right – and notes expansion will create jobs across the state, a win-win for the uninsured and the economy.
Dels. Michael Webert, R-18th, and Mark Cole, R-88th, votes against the House plan, though Webert, at least, says his motives were altruistic. He objects to able-bodied adults seeking Medicaid and says he fears disabled adults in need of a waiver should be the state’s priority.
But the real stumbling block for the GOP is the House plan’s call for hospitals to pay a 10 percent cost-share in 2020. Both Webert and Sen. Jill Vogel, R-27th, say that spells increased healthcare costs handed down to Virginia taxpayers.
We’re not sure that’s right.
Hospitals want Medicaid expansion. Why? Because they know it’s a better deal than having to pay for indigent care and they know the patients they see will be less sick – and not as expensive to treat – if more have a reliable form of medical insurance that can help them get the care they need.
“Now is the time to bring back Virginia’s tax dollars to help thousands of people get health coverage, boost the economy and create jobs, and improve public health,” the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association said in a Facebook post this week, noting a recent survey shows 83 percent of Virginians support the idea – Republicans and Democrats alike.
The VHHA, though historically opposed to a hospital tax in the past, now says its members are ready to compromise as long as any tax goes right back into healthcare.
Compromise needs to be the focus when the General Assembly returns for a special session April 11 to iron out the state’s budget. Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, said he supports a straightforward approach and wants to work with Republicans to “bring about a new ‘Virginia way’ on Medicaid.”
Webert told us “if we’re going to do this, better make sure we do it right.”
What’s right is a bipartisan agreement on Medicaid expansion to ensure all Virginians have access to healthcare.